Title
An Ordinance to Amend Section 8:527 of Chapter 105 (Housing Code) of Title VIII (Building Regulations) of the Ann Arbor City Code (ORD-23-11)
Memorandum
The proposed amendment modifies section 8:527 to require carbon monoxide detectors in rental housing units and prohibits someone from disabling or damaging such devices.
Known as an invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane incompletely burn or are poorly ventilated. Breathing in carbon monoxide from incorrectly installed or poorly maintained or ventilated appliances can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or death.
With over 52,000 rental housing units in the City of Ann Arbor, the majority of residents are renters. While Ann Arbor’s Housing Code requires smoke or fire detectors in all rental units, it does not currently require carbon monoxide detectors. While the Building Code requires carbon monoxide in new construction and for certain alterations, they were not required when much of Ann Arbor’s rental housing stock was built. This amendment would require a UL listed carbon monoxide detector on each story and outside each sleeping area in the vicinity of bedrooms. Carbon monoxide detectors are relatively inexpensive and can save lives.
Staff
Prepared by: John W. Reiser, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: Chris MacFarland, Code Compliance Official, Building and Rental Serv.
Michael Reddmann, Fire Marshall, Ann Arbor Fire Department
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
(See Attached Ordinance as Amended at First Reading on March 20, 2023.)
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Cornell, Akmon, Radina, Ghazi Edwin, Harrison and Briggs